Event Cover Image
Event Image
The Ultimate Pitch Festival is Rotary BizEast's flagship entrepreneurship event focused on empowering young people to create their own economy and combat unemployment. The festival combines: Business Marketplace Smart Shark Business Competition Investor Networking Live Entertainment Food Trucks Guest Speakers Youth Entrepreneurship Development

THE ULTIMATE PITCH FESTIVAL

Big Ideas. Bigger Impact. Brighter Futures.

Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

Join Rotary BizEast for an unforgettable day of innovation, entrepreneurship, networking, and community impact at The Ultimate Pitch Festival.

This exciting event brings together aspiring entrepreneurs, small businesses, investors, community leaders, students, and changemakers in one dynamic marketplace designed to create opportunities, inspire innovation, and build sustainable economic growth.

Our mission is simple: to help young people create their own economy, develop entrepreneurial skills, and combat unemployment through innovation, mentorship, and business development opportunities.

Whether you're a business owner looking to showcase your products and services, a young entrepreneur with a game-changing idea, or a community member eager to support local innovation, The Ultimate Pitch Festival is where opportunity meets action.


Event Details

πŸ“… Date: 10 October 2025

πŸ•˜ Time: From 09:00 AM

πŸ“ Venue: The Grasslands Driving Range
65 Glengory Road

🎟️ Open to the Public


Choose Your Journey

BUSINESS MARKETPLACE

Showcase Your Business. Expand Your Network. Grow Your Brand.

The Business Marketplace offers entrepreneurs and SMEs a unique platform to exhibit their products, services, and innovations to a diverse audience of consumers, investors, business leaders, and future entrepreneurs.

By securing a stall, you will have the opportunity to:

βœ” Promote your business to a targeted audience

βœ” Increase brand visibility and awareness

βœ” Connect with potential customers and partners

βœ” Network with fellow entrepreneurs and business leaders

βœ” Explore investment and collaboration opportunities

βœ” Inspire the next generation of business owners

βœ” Be part of a purpose-driven event supporting youth entrepreneurship

Who Should Apply?

  • Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

  • Startups

  • Service Providers

  • Retail Businesses

  • Creative Entrepreneurs

  • Social Enterprises

  • Technology Companies

  • Community-Based Businesses

What's Included?

  • Branded exhibition space

  • Access to event attendees

  • Networking opportunities

  • Marketing exposure through event promotions

  • Participation in festival activities

  • Business directory listing

Ready to Showcase Your Business?

Register Your Stall Today

 


SMART SHARK BUSINESS COMPETITION

Young Minds. Big Ideas. Real Impact.

Do you have an innovative business idea that could solve a problem, create jobs, or transform your community?

The Smart Shark Business Competition gives young entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their ideas to an experienced panel of business leaders, mentors, and industry experts.

Participants will compete for recognition, mentorship opportunities, exposure, and valuable prizes while gaining real-world pitching experience.

Competition Open To:

Young entrepreneurs aged 13 to 23 years

Why Enter?

βœ” Present your business idea to experienced business professionals

βœ” Receive valuable feedback from industry experts

βœ” Gain exposure for your venture

βœ” Build confidence and presentation skills

βœ” Access networking opportunities

βœ” Compete for exciting prizes

βœ” Join a community of young innovators

What You'll Need

Applicants will submit:

  • Business Idea Summary

  • Business Plan

  • Supporting Documents (optional)

  • Pitch Deck (optional)

Competition Categories

  • Technology & Innovation

  • Agriculture

  • Creative Industries

  • Retail & Commerce

  • Social Entrepreneurship

  • Environmental Solutions

  • Community Development

Are You Ready to Pitch?

Enter the Smart Shark Competition

SUBMIT YOUR BUSINESS PLAN to bizeast@rotary9400.org

For more information contact: Eileen 082 777 3551 or Madeleine 066 335 2639


More Than Just Business

The Ultimate Pitch Festival is a celebration of entrepreneurship, community, and opportunity.

Enjoy a full day of activities including:

🎡 Live Music

πŸ₯ Children's Drumming Activities

πŸ” Food Trucks

πŸŽͺ Family Entertainment

🎀 Inspirational Guest Speakers

🀝 Networking Opportunities

πŸ† Exciting Competitions

🎁 Prizes Valued at Over R40,000

There is something for everyone.


Why Rotary BizEast?

Rotary BizEast is a satellite club of the Rotary Club of Johannesburg. Rotary BizEast is committed to creating sustainable opportunities for young people through entrepreneurship, mentorship, skills development, and community partnerships.

By participating in The Ultimate Pitch Festival, you are helping us build a future where young people are empowered to create jobs, drive innovation, and become leaders in their communities.

Every registration, sponsorship, and attendance contributes to initiatives that support youth development and economic empowerment.

Together, we can create brighter futures.


Sponsorship Opportunities

Partner with us and become part of a movement that is transforming lives through entrepreneurship.

Sponsors receive valuable brand exposure while directly supporting youth development and business growth initiatives.

For sponsorship opportunities and partnership enquiries, please contact our event team.

REQUEST SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION - Jacqui 083 625 1790 or Jane 073 282 3581


Frequently Asked Questions

Is the event open to the public?

Yes. Community members, families, entrepreneurs, investors, and supporters are welcome to attend.

Who can register for a stall?

Any registered business, startup, entrepreneur, or organisation wishing to showcase products or services.

Who can enter the Smart Shark Competition?

Young people between the ages of 13 and 23 years with a business idea or startup concept.

Is there a registration fee?

Fees and participation packages will be communicated during the registration process.

When do registrations close?

Spaces are limited and registrations will close once capacity is reached.

Can I both exhibit and enter the competition?

Yes, provided you meet the competition eligibility requirements.


Join the Movement

Whether you're building a business, launching an idea, seeking inspiration, or supporting youth entrepreneurship, The Ultimate Pitch Festival is your opportunity to be part of something bigger.

Together, let's build a future where youth lead and thrive.

 

Where
Grasslands Driving Range
65 Glengory Road
Benoni, GP
South Africa
Organizers

JK

Jacqui Keel
keeljacqui@gmail.com